Mosquitoes positive with West Nile found in Orange County

As the peak of summer settles, officials are urging residents to continue to take proper precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses.

The Orange County Department of Health has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in multiple areas across the county following initial testing of a mosquito pool carrying West Nile in the Village of Goshen.

While 80-percent of people infected with West Nile virus show no signs of illness, Dr. Jennifer Roman of the Orange County Department of Health continues to recommend proper protections against mosquito bites as the season continues. Residents should wear appropriate clothing and consider sprays when outdoors and check their property for any pooling or stagnant water. 

  • Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.

  • Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when you are outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.

  • Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors, particularly during evening activities, e.g., fishing. Make sure to follow the directions on the label.

Mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days. To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, take the following steps to reduce or eliminate standing water:

  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding containers.

  • Drill drain holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.

  • Make sure that your roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.

  • Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

  • Change the water in birdbaths twice a week.

  • Remove all discarded tires from your property.

  • Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.

  • Drain water from pool covers. Also, remove leaves and debris as they collect on covers to reduce breeding areas.

  • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

According to the CDC, about 20-percent of people who are infected with West Nile develop flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with mild illness due to West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

While there is no medicine currently available to treat West Nile, seek immediate medical attention if you experience high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, confusion, or tremors.

For more information on mosquito prevention or protection, call the Orange County Department of Health at 291-2332.



 

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